How do the Xbox One and PS4 controllers stack up?

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Now that both Sony and Microsoft have had coming out events for their next-gen consoles, the public finally has a real understanding of what we’ll be holding for the next few years. Neither controller is extraordinarily different from the current generation, but they both have refined and tweaked core features to offer what is hopefully a better gaming experience. So, how do they stack up?

Sony has been very conservative with its controllers — each iteration has only seen a few tweaks and additions since the Dual Analog controller launched in 1997. The DualShock 4 is, without a doubt, the biggest design change Sony has put forth yet. Most of the buttons are in the same position, but everything has shifted to allow for the capacitive touch pad on the front. The “Select” and “Start” buttons have been replaced with “Share” and “Options” on either side of the touch pad. Considering how rarely the “Select” button is used, it surely won’t be missed by many gamers. Unsurprisingly, Sony also added a light bar at the top of the controller so that it can be easily tracked by the Kinect-like camera accessory — motion controls aren’t going anywhere this generation.

Perhaps more importantly, the thumbsticks and shoulder buttons have been redesigned for better control. Instead of using convex shapes that lead to fingers slipping off the controls, Sony is using concave shapes for both thumbsticks and bottom shoulder buttons. While very few of us have gotten hands-on time with the controller, these improvements will likely mean the DualShock 4 is the best controller Sony has ever made. Unfortunately, the controller still rests on the bottom shoulder buttons when you set it down, so accidental button presses will likely continue to be an annoyance.

If you think Sony played it safe with the DualShock 4, steer clear of the Xbox One’s controller. Despite Microsoft claiming that it has over 40 improvements, almost everything seems to be the same. The guide button has shifted up some, the “Start” and “Back” buttons are replaced with unnamed buttons in their stead, the right and left bumpers are larger, the battery pack doesn’t jut out from the back anymore, and an infrared LED has been added to help the Kinect track the controller. Instead of using the Xbox 360’s proprietary wireless system or Bluetooth like the PS4, it will instead use WiFi Direct. Whether or not the overhead of this standard will negatively impact the expected battery life or latency of this new controller remains to be seen.

Much like the DualShock 4, the most impactful changes will likely end up being the small tweaks to the control scheme. The new thumbsticks are more heavily textured, and they sport a smaller dead-zone for more precise control. The Xbox 360 was often maligned for its infamously imprecise D-Pad, so the new cross-shaped version on the Xbox One controller should be a big improvement.

It’s heartening to see that both Sony and Microsoft have taken usability seriously this time around. The companies have made some notable, if small, improvements that will go far towards making console gamers happy. Even so, the real test is coming soon at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) next month. Thousands of people will get their hands on the new controllers at that event, and we’ll get a better understanding of just how much they’ve improved.

It’s highly likely just up to license costs. These consoles are so cheap and made to maximize profits above everything else. Bluetooth license costs more I bet.

ArchAngel570

I had that thought too with licenses

mike

They would have invented the WiFi super + ultra speed, just to force people to buy new controllers, and not use the old ones, that, after all, work exactly the same. If kinekt can’t see them without the infrared led, well, the game would still work, all the buttons are there. What if you prefer the old design and don’t care about the 15% faster connectivity? Bad luck, you still have to buy a new model.let’s not forget we’re talking about the company that manages to sell a new office version every year, with only a couple of new functions 99% of the users will never use.
So no advantage, they simply needed to use whatever tech and call it new tech, to be able to say “there’s rocket science inside these controllers, the old ones won’t work”

ArrowSmith

Let’s see. Office 95, 97, 2000, 2003, 2007, 2010, 2013. Looks like every 3 years, not every 1 year. But keep up the anti-MS FUD.

Brian Cuellar

I’m going to assume they are going for minimal controller latency via Wi-Fi direct. I otherwise have no idea what benefit it could offer.

runninron69

The benefit they offer is all the millions of xbox fools will have to buy all new peripherals to the tune of billions of dollars of hardware and software. It’s going to be several years until Sony brings out enough new software for me to upgrade to a PS4. By that time there will be used consoles for sale and the prices of a new one will have dropped enough for that to be an option to me.

But eitherway, 3 mbps is plenty for a controller. Hell, my internet speed is only a little above that LOL

What really matters is latency, and Bluetooth 2.1 with EDR destroys Wifi Direct as far as latency.

Xbox One Forums

Looks the like the form and feel of the controller will remain constant with the previous generation. Not a bad thing. – http://www.XboxOneForu.ms

edwinvladimirrodruioguezsusaas

dddksssdjhdjhdgssh
sddd

Clint Geaney

Where has the select button been put?
If you play Battlefield 3 you use the select button all the time to designate soldiers and vehicles… It’s a must use feature of the game.
They will sort it out I suppose but it wrong to say the select button is not used.

fsdh

The PS controller has always been better than the XBox controller.

Kevin Zuniga

In what world all my friends who are die hard ps3 fans say the xbox. Controller in better to hold amd play with

fsdh

In the real world. You and your friends in your mom’s basement are free to like whatever you want though.

corhen

oh, god no.

The PS3 controller is way to light, the shape is all wrong for the hand, the “triggers” are garbage, the bumpers are in the wrong place for any regular hand…

The only thing they did right is use bluetooth instead of some custom BS

Draconian9053

Hopefully this time the PS controller will more easily connect to a PC.

Will be pretty interesting to see if 3rd party accessories will be able to mimic some of these features. Where you at MadCATZ XD

Shambels

Dude Madcat can burn in hell!!

Clarence Thompkins II

lol

Kevin Zuniga

Honestly I see more PS fan ladies commenting on how much the Xbox one sucks and all that while we Xbox one fan men just sit back and chill because we know the Xbox one is going to be great…we don’t need to express ourselves on the internet where no one will give a FUCK

Victor

Honestly I see more xbox assholes commenting on how the ps4 sucks and
All that while we ps4 gamers are going to enjoy what Sony gives us, GAMES. Because not only will the ps4 dominate the next gen, it is going to be amazing.
We don’t need another cable box.

Acurra

You sir said it right.

runninron69

Yet you do show everyone what a douche you are Kevin. What an a$$hole.

SmartApps

What are you most excited for, Always on Kinect or used game fees?

Victor

I prefer NEITHER!

MilkieBear

I wonder if WiFi Direct will mess with my other WiFi stuff. Like so many other things that use WiFi do.

TheWaker

The playstation controller still sucks sh$t. Why they are stuck in the 90’s in beyond me. Microsoft got it right with the natural design. Sony needs to copy it. It’s the sole reason for me to get another stupid xbox and I really don’t want to.

Billtron

Just to be really anal but credit for an analogue stick goes to Sega with the release of the ‘Nights into dreams’ pad packaged with the game for the Saturn and I was also using wireless Saturn pads, both of which pre-date Nintendo. Nearly all console innovations can be atributed to Sega. Just a shame there crave for R and D eventually sunk them… Our loss

juice man

Are the analog sticks of the ps4 stiffer then the analog sticks from the ps3, cause they were always too loose.

Hugo Stiglitz

Yes. The height of the stick is also shorter which has very positive effects on them

I got a PS4 controller early to use with my PS3 til I get my PS4, and let me tell you, I am amazed.

I really never thought a controller could be this accurate. The PS4 analog sticks are the best I’ve ever used. Even though I’m still getting used to them, my accuracy has been instantly on point, and better than ever.

Really, the PS4 is the only way IMO that you could compete with the best keyboard and mouse players. Before, the analog sticks just weren’t nearly accurate enough but the PS4 controller really is a leap forward

Plus, the buttons are great, the D Pad is better than ever, the triggers are much better, and the size of the controller is much better now. Now there’s a lot to grab onto unlike the PS3 controller.

If you don’t believe me, go check some of the reviews of the PS4 controller online, or on youtube. The consensus has been that the PS4 controller is awesome